Allotment Site News
Our new communal space
In a final push to complete the main work on the communal area, we're delighted to announce the restoration of the wall to the east side of the hill and beside the main site path.
White clover and some low-growing wild flowers were seeded in spring 2022 in order to create a matt of growth which will keep down the weeds in future with a bit of strimming through the year. We will add grass seed to this in autumn.
The communal area grew out of a rubble (foundations of old outbuildings) and weed infested area (bindweed/nettles/dockens) that had become unmanageable. In past decades it was a dumping ground for leaves and grass clippings from local parks, which unfortunately included plastic and rubbish. However, it does mean that this area is exceedingly fertile.
Following Edinburgh Council's JCB levelling in early winter 2016, volunteer plot holders cleared and covered the area in black plastic in order to eliminate the worst of the perennial weeds. Lifting the plastic this spring has allowed us to develop the new space. It has been turfed and edged with white clover (good for pollinators and consolidating sloping ground). Apple (Katy, Discovery, Sunburst and Clydeside) and pear trees (x2 Williams), a weeping cotoneaster and benches have arrived through donation from plot holders.
Now, as well as being an all year round place to meet friends and other gardeners, it can be used to accommodate site events such as the annual plant sale.
Designed for easy maintenance—the most important factor in relation to its ongoing success—the space can be mowed and pruned and planted by volunteers as it develops. Adjacent, a new leaf mould and grass cuttings compost bay, constructed in February 2018 on the boundary to the car park, makes collecting and delivering material more accessible.
The communal area opened on a sunny Sunday May 2018 in conjunction with our annual plant sale which raised funds to further develop the space and bring other improvements to the site. 10 new bike racks were added to our facilities in 2019 courtesy the council.
Jock's bench, a memorial to John Banks plotholder at Warriston for 62 years, was bought with a very kind and generous donation from his son Ally. It now takes pride of place in the communal area, close to his plot. We will be adding a new plaque to this soon, commemorating the life of Jimmy White, close friend of John Banks.
Images of developments, click here.
Willow trees:
The council felled a number of willow trees on the south edge of the wood. These were becoming dangerous in high winds. Adjoining plot holders now enjoy more sunshine and air and wildlife, in particular birds, is multiplying.
In 2021/22 the stumps have begun to show vigorous signs of growth. We'll keep these in check i.e. coppice and use the whips for willow supports.
After much deliberation about whether to develop this woodland, we decided to let nature take its course so that both flora and fauna are allowed to do their own thing. This means having the patience to do nothing. It may look messy, but insects, birds, small mammals and reptiles love it. Over the years, it should develop a balance of nature that we can all enjoy and be surprised by.
The only unwelcome inhabitant is Himalayan Balsam. Please weed this out if you see it. The remains can be laid beside the path where they will rot down before seeding.
Warriston's communal leaf mould heap beside the cottage:
A fenced bay is constructed around the leaf mould area. This is for delivered leaves and grass clippings only.
Please keep cars away from this area where possible to allow easy access for plot holders.
Please do not dump any plot weeds, old potatoes or other plant refuse here.
Kings Seeds:
As a Warriston plot holder, you can still enjoy a discount with Kings Seeds on most of their products. Contact them through FEDEGA who have set up the scheme for details. www.fedaga.org.uk/seed-scheme.
Please keep pathways around your plot clear and tidy:
Fences should not lean into paths and narrow their access. Plot holders, are responsible for this maintenance. The council is responsible only for maintenance of the main paths.
.
In a final push to complete the main work on the communal area, we're delighted to announce the restoration of the wall to the east side of the hill and beside the main site path.
White clover and some low-growing wild flowers were seeded in spring 2022 in order to create a matt of growth which will keep down the weeds in future with a bit of strimming through the year. We will add grass seed to this in autumn.
The communal area grew out of a rubble (foundations of old outbuildings) and weed infested area (bindweed/nettles/dockens) that had become unmanageable. In past decades it was a dumping ground for leaves and grass clippings from local parks, which unfortunately included plastic and rubbish. However, it does mean that this area is exceedingly fertile.
Following Edinburgh Council's JCB levelling in early winter 2016, volunteer plot holders cleared and covered the area in black plastic in order to eliminate the worst of the perennial weeds. Lifting the plastic this spring has allowed us to develop the new space. It has been turfed and edged with white clover (good for pollinators and consolidating sloping ground). Apple (Katy, Discovery, Sunburst and Clydeside) and pear trees (x2 Williams), a weeping cotoneaster and benches have arrived through donation from plot holders.
Now, as well as being an all year round place to meet friends and other gardeners, it can be used to accommodate site events such as the annual plant sale.
Designed for easy maintenance—the most important factor in relation to its ongoing success—the space can be mowed and pruned and planted by volunteers as it develops. Adjacent, a new leaf mould and grass cuttings compost bay, constructed in February 2018 on the boundary to the car park, makes collecting and delivering material more accessible.
The communal area opened on a sunny Sunday May 2018 in conjunction with our annual plant sale which raised funds to further develop the space and bring other improvements to the site. 10 new bike racks were added to our facilities in 2019 courtesy the council.
Jock's bench, a memorial to John Banks plotholder at Warriston for 62 years, was bought with a very kind and generous donation from his son Ally. It now takes pride of place in the communal area, close to his plot. We will be adding a new plaque to this soon, commemorating the life of Jimmy White, close friend of John Banks.
Images of developments, click here.
Willow trees:
The council felled a number of willow trees on the south edge of the wood. These were becoming dangerous in high winds. Adjoining plot holders now enjoy more sunshine and air and wildlife, in particular birds, is multiplying.
In 2021/22 the stumps have begun to show vigorous signs of growth. We'll keep these in check i.e. coppice and use the whips for willow supports.
After much deliberation about whether to develop this woodland, we decided to let nature take its course so that both flora and fauna are allowed to do their own thing. This means having the patience to do nothing. It may look messy, but insects, birds, small mammals and reptiles love it. Over the years, it should develop a balance of nature that we can all enjoy and be surprised by.
The only unwelcome inhabitant is Himalayan Balsam. Please weed this out if you see it. The remains can be laid beside the path where they will rot down before seeding.
Warriston's communal leaf mould heap beside the cottage:
A fenced bay is constructed around the leaf mould area. This is for delivered leaves and grass clippings only.
Please keep cars away from this area where possible to allow easy access for plot holders.
Please do not dump any plot weeds, old potatoes or other plant refuse here.
Kings Seeds:
As a Warriston plot holder, you can still enjoy a discount with Kings Seeds on most of their products. Contact them through FEDEGA who have set up the scheme for details. www.fedaga.org.uk/seed-scheme.
Please keep pathways around your plot clear and tidy:
Fences should not lean into paths and narrow their access. Plot holders, are responsible for this maintenance. The council is responsible only for maintenance of the main paths.
.
